Champagne R. Renaudin, rooted in the 1724 legacy of the Château des Conardins and its noble lineage under Seigneur Pierre Comte de Failly, stands as one of Champagne's oldest estates. Though the castle fell to fire and upheaval by 1797, the Renaudin family has since rebuilt in Moussy—southwest of Épernay—farming 12 hectares of 25-year-old vines (40% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir/Meunier) across Premier Cru sites in Moussy, Pierry, and Chavot. They sell most fruit to elite négociants while crafting just 50,000 bottles yearly, guided by their mantra "the effervescence of time": sustainable viticulture, old oak ferments, and extraordinary lees aging define their prestige "L'Espiegle" cuvée.

This 2013 Blanc de Blancs—100% Pierry Chardonnay—captures a sleeper vintage's cool-climate purity akin to 2004 or 1996: spontaneous ferment in used oak (no malolactic), intensive lees stirring, 110+ months sur pointe, and a whisper-light 5g/L dosage. Golden-hued with spiraling beads, it delivers orchard fruit vibrancy laced with brioche depth at a sub-$70 price that defies its decade-plus maturity.

Why You'll Love It

• Decade-plus lees richness (hazelnut-marzipan-brioche)—rivals prestige cuvées twice the price.

• Pierry chalk electricity cuts creamy texture for diamond-bright 2013 tension.

• Youthful evolution ahead: apple-pear-pineapple lifts to savory oyster shell; 10+ years cellar potential.

How to Serve It

• Flared tulip glass; settle 15-20 seconds post-pour, then swirl gently to unlock aromas.

• 48-52°F serving temp—lightly chilled for bead persistence and acidity pop, no ice bucket.

• Oysters, lemon tarts, or hazelnut-crusted fish; aperitif-to-main bridge with umami depth.